Humpback Whales Appearing!

Many Humpback whales have been observed in upper Georgia Strait around Campbell River and the south end of Quadra Island. Over half of the sightings received in this period were of Humpback whales. Some of the Humpbacks remained at the surface displaying various behaviours; a few of these whales were breaching! Transient Orca were also observed in a number of locations, and on at least two occasions, Transients were observed hunting their prey. A Grey whale was seen in Georgia Strait to the west of the mouth of the Fraser River. Dolphins, Dall’s porpoises and Harbour porpoises rounds out our report. Notably, one Harbour porpoise was observed off of White Rock in the Lower Mainland.

In our Magazine section, read about Beluga whales seen off of Prince Edward Island, learn about the blowholes of Cetaceans, and watch a drone showing two Right whales that appear to be “hugging”.

The Federal Government (DFO) statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”

WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.